Collectibles and Curiosities

Willie Kool desk-table petrol lighter. This is a beautiful bar or desk petrol lighter, created as a promotional item by the Kool Cigarette Company, back in the 1938. The sculptural and elusive lighter has been crafted with the iconic figure of the company Willie Kool, in solid steel and decorated with green, black and white paint. The figural penguin is in pretty very good shape, in working condition and should be a gorgeous addition to any collection. This will be a great conversation item. Willie The Penguin Willie the penguin was introduced in 1934 by The Ted Bates Advertising Agency. During the time there were several other cartoonish spokespersons like Kellogg’s Snap, Crackle & Pop, Reddy Kilowatt, and the Campbell’s Kids. Willie’s product line included salt and pepper shakers, ash trays...

French Modernist Art Deco piano and bench by Pierre-Paul Montagnac, a variant of the model used in one of the luxe apartments, the Caen, on the great French oceanliner Normandie in 1935. Created in rosewood and sycamore, and carefully and correctly restored, including the fine Erard (#127208) instrument. 56” wide x 60” deep. Documented in numerous sources, including the July 1935 issue of Art et Decoration. Pierre-Paul Montagnac (1883-1961) Born in Saint-Denis, France on 9 May 1883, Pierre-Paul Montagnac was equally talented as a fine artist and a decorative artist. He was educated in both disciplines, studying with Eugene Carriére as well as at the Académie de la Grande Chaumiére, both in Paris. His inaugural exhibition was at the 1912 Salons – and at the 1920 Salon d’Automne he received a traveling scholarship. In 1918 he began working in the firm of André Mare and from 1922 collaborated with Maurice Dufrene at La Maîtrise, the famous design studio of Galeries Lafayette. From 1921 he exhibited at the Salons of la Société des Artistes Décorateurs, Salon des Architectes Modernes, and internationally, in Barcelona and Leipzig. He designed suites on the grand French oceanliners, l’Atlantique, Normandie and Pasteur. At the 1925 Paris International Exposition his work was in a standout class. At the 1937 Exhibition he organized the pavillion of the Artistes Decorateurs and personally won a Grand Prix. For the New York Exhibition in 1938, he was a member of the international jury, organized the group of Decorators, and, as architect, organized the exhibitions of jewelry and perfumes. He became a member of the Society of Modern Architects and executed important and numerous architecture and decorating projects including the luxury apartments on the great French oceanliners l’Atlantique, Pasteur, and Normandie. Vice President and then President of the Societe des Artistes Decorateurs from 1930-1938, he was also President of the Salon d’Automne and Vice President of the Committee of the Exhibition of Arts and Embellishments of Life; member of the steering committee of C.T.I. and Artistic Property, member of the Board of Directors of the Central Union of Decorative Arts. He was also an Officer of the Legion of Honor and received the Cross of War. MONTAGNAC was the son of an engineer and he had a taste for geometry and science that predisposed him to the rigors of architectural laws. Multi-talented, he worked independently as a painter – who had paintings acquired by the French government – while also working in the related fields of architecture and decoration. His work included homes, apartments, galleries, luxury shops, banks and the aforesaid oceanliners. As a designer/decorater, Montagnac had the taste for quality, luxurious furniture, using precious woods, bronze extensions, ivory inlays, mother-of-pearl, metal and coral. He advocated for a resolutely modern style and, free of all pastiches, focused on beautiful cabinetry, the challenges of furniture design, particularly from 1940 to 1945, captured all his attention. The tireless activity of Montagnac, whose varied works are represented in official museums and residences, was also recognized from a professional and social point of view. He was a remarkable organizer, devoted to the cause of art, to the defense of the trade and his colleagues. It was Montagnac who, in 1939, with Anatole de Monzie, took the initiative to found the ENTRAIDE to Artists (which provides support to talented young French artists). MOBILIER ET DECORATION, September/October 1953 ERARD An illustrious piano manufacturer, Sebastien Erard began building superior harpsichords in Paris in the mid-1700s, produced pianos for the French Court, and received a multitude of patents, many of which are still in use in piano manufacturing. Erard pianos were marketed as the finest pianos in the world and were owned by Queen Victoria, Franz Liszt, Chopin, Verdi, Ravel, and Felix Mendelssohn among many others. They continued to enjoy international success well into the 20th century. They were known for their unique sound quality, similar to the American square grand piano...

A bronze Tourette desk lighter designed by Ronson. Very rare desk table Touch-Tip lighter, created in Newark New Jersey by Ronson, at The Art Metal Works Co. during the art deco per...

A fantastic Gaff Cutter pond yacht, lovely “bread and butter“ wood hull construction dating to the first part of the 20th Century. Bread and butter construction is when planks of woo...

A splendid pair of 'lorgnettes' (long-handled opera, or theatre, glasses). Lorgnettes, eye glasses held in place by long handles rather than resting on the bridge of one's nose, were...

Stevenson, Robert Louis. Kidnapped: The Adventures of David Balfour. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1933. Illustrated by N.C. Wyeth. In publisher's original black boards with ful...

Original French poster for Nijni et Stone French ballet poster from the 1930s This wonderful Art Deco design was created by Obrad Nicolitch (1898-1979) ...

The colorful orange face on this old Halloween noise makers are obvious devils. Each has sinister eyes and a smile that shouldn’t be trusted. There is a s...

Wooden kings guardsman in lacquered beech. It was designed by Kay Bojesen in 1942. It features movable head, arms and legs and it still has it original riffle. This example was manuf...

The Art Collection of the Late Mr and Mrs Charles E. F. McCann, Together With Property from The Daniel & Florence Guggenheim Foundation, Parke-Bernet Galleries. 91 lots some photogra...

Ballerina figure with Ronde-Light lighter designed by Ronson. This is a beautiful desk lighter, created in New Jersey United States by The Ronson Lighter Co. during the art deco per...

Mid-late 1930s “Kookbox” hollow wood surfboard. Features wood panels joined by metal fasteners and cork water-plug. Patented interior ‘Skin and Frame’ construction method, inspired by the design of airplane wings. This breakthrough surfboard building method was invented in the early 1930s by the legendary Tom Blake...

Beautiful brass butterfly bush leaf dish by Virginia Metal Crafters. It is one of a series of botanical leaf sculptures designed by artist Oskar Hansen....

This is one of the earlier, New York City based, J. Chein Company, tin toy pieces. They started doing lithography in 1930. This toy wind-up sedan was made circa 1930 and is brightly ...

A decorative Eiffel Tower souvenir building sculpture ashtray. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. This item was bought as a souvenir in Paris, France a...

Rustic wooden spools of thread, by unknown manufacturer from Spain, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, pre...

Décors éphémères: Les Expositions Jeux d'Eau et de Lumière, (Ephemeral decorations: water and light games exhibitions,) French book by André Granet, Original edition 1948, Preface by...

Decorative roller desk box designed by Park Sherman. Very decorative desk box, created during the art deco period in America by the Park Sherman Company, back in the 1930. This roller-lid box is very innovative in design and with Avant Garde look. It was crafted in chromed steel with red lacquer and elements in red and black Bakelite. It is fitted with a roller lid, which is in perfect working condition. The Park Sherman Company Park Sherman was an important Springfield company for several decades ending with the sale of the company to a New Jersey firm in 1960. They mass-produced smoking accessories, particularly lighters, as well as a multitude of office, novelty, and other items. The Park Sherman Company operated in Springfield, Illinois until 1960 when it was sold to a New Jersey company. A man named Jacob S. Sherman was the founder of the Park Sherman Company. The company sold miner's supplies (miner's cap lamps, match cases, etc.) and later specialized in things like coin banks and smoking accessories such lighters and cigarette cases. The company's products were sold throughout the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. 'Everdry' was a brand name that Park Sherman used on some of its products. The word "Everdry" was used, for example, on match cases to indicate that the case would prevent the matches from getting wet. Presumably, your "Everdry" cigarette case kept the contents from getting wet. Materials: Chromed steel and red and black Bakelite. Weight: 231.7 Grams, (0.51 Pounds). Measurements: 114.3 mm by 101.6 mm by 63.5 mm (3.50 x 4.0 x 2.50 Inches). Literature: Rodney and Diane Capstick-Dale, The art deco Collectibles...

This exquisite tapestry purse is a masterpiece of needlepoint craftsmanship. Its delicate embroidered patchwork features a stunning floral Rococo-inspired design, blending intricate ...

Art Deco Vintage 1940s Aluminum Block Lift Arm Side Wheel Cigarette Lighter 2.13 x 1 W x .63 Original unrestored vintage preowned condition. Selling as is untested. Refer to images....

French Art Deco bronze crucifix by Charles SOUDANT, France, 1930s. Very beautiful stylized Christ surrounded by a halo. At his side, Mary and Mary...

Pair of bookends made of steel and depicting a sailboat sailing upwind. English manufacture of the 1950s. Bon état. Measures 11.5x8x15.5 cm - inches4.5x3.2x6.2. The last photo is the...

This seemingly simple wooden vase is a design object of infinite beauty and elegance that can be placed in either an antique or a modern or contemporary setting. They are Indian arte...

Brass and aluminum aeronautical compass complete with azimuth circle, supplied to U.s: Army Air Force aircraft during the world War II. Good condition and functioning. Compass diame...

Hallmarked in Sheffield in 1936 by Mappin & Webb, this striking, Sterling Silver Trophy Cup & Cover, is in the Art Deco taste, and features models of rampant lions holding shields wi...

3-449 hand crafted wood architectural model of a windmill. Detail of grinding stone on lower level and stairs to each level. Missing 2 of the...

A rare set of Japanese naval bridge “big eye“ binoculars by Nikon manufactured during WWII by Tokyo Kogaku Kikai (Tokyo Optical Company). They have been expertly cleaned and hand pol...

Metal Pulley Hook, by unknown manufacturer, circa 1940. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and use, preserving a beautiful patina. Materials: Metal ...

French Art Deco pewter medallion struck with the face of mercury pedant. The finely detailed design captures the regal presence of the Greek god Hermes (Mercury), rendered in an Art ...

Fairly rare item to find: San Francisco Examiner Newspapers, complete and original in actual real size format, from January 1st, 1944 through January 30th 1944; hardbound mounted front and back in very good and readable condition----pages turn with ease and approximately 700 to 800 pages of World War II news, sports, advertisements, editorials, society pages, Sunday "Funnies", classified advertisements, and local San Francisco Bay Area news. War news stories about Germans, Russians, and Japanese battles...

Author: Woolf, Virginia. Title: The Years. Publisher: London: The Hogarth Press, 1937. Description: First Edition. 1 vol., 7-3/16" x 4-15/16", boun...

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very collectable and super quality, Asprey London Sterling Silver & Gold Gilt with Diamonds and finishe...

Catalogue of the Vernay Collection of Early English Furniture, Porcelains, Old English Silver, Glassware and Other Art Objects, "A Special Sale Prior ...

Traditional religious signed plaster figure of a Saint. Made in traditional Catalan atelier, Spain, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent with age and u...

Art Deco ashtray stand This beautiful and rare Art Deco Ashtray Stand from the 30s/40s is in the streamline modern art deco style. The designer of this extraordinary object has succ...

A gorgeous petite micro mosaic jewelry. No restoration has been carried out on this charming little piece, which remains in very stabile and funct...

Traditional religious hand painted plaster figure of a Saint. Originally stamped. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Olot, Spain, circa 1940. Olot has a long tradition i...

The Collection of Louis Guerineau Myers. Catalogue of the auction/exhibition held at American Art Association, April 2-9, 1932, featuring "Duncan Phyfe: Characteristic examples in his most beautiful designs, of both Sheraton and Empire styles, including several pieces which were believed by Mr. Myers to be unique; Sheraton and Hepplewhite, including notable Philadelphia and Baltimore examples; rare pewter...

Double strain gauge signed Brevetti F.lli Ingg. Ferrero Savona n.384583 mod E74 - S3, circa 1930, in its original box complete with accessories and magnifying glass. It is an instrument used to...

Author: WARD, Lynd. Title: Madman's Drum. A Novel In Woodcuts by Lynd Ward. Publisher: NY: Jonathan Cape & Harrison Smith, 1930. SECOND PRINTI...

Hallmarked in Birmingham in 1938 by Britton, Gould & Co., this handsome, George VI, Sterling Silver Menorah, is in the art deco taste. The menorah measures 10.5"(26.5cm) tall, by 10....

Fantastic Monogram Art Deco desk tabletop telephone with metal accents in excellent antique condition with minimal wear. Restored with new cords. See all pics

Unusual handcrafted Art Deco picnic case out of croco leather with hornback. The interior of the picnic case is missing. The object is sewn together and ed...

AUTHOR: STEIN, Gertrude. TITLE: Matisse Picasso And Gertrude Stein With Two Shorter Stories. PUBLISHER: Paris: Maurice Darantiere for the Plain Edition, 1933. DESCRIPTION: FIRST ...

A charming piggy bank designed by Eva Jancke Björk for Bo Fajans. While the piggy banks from Bo Fajans may share similar shapes, each one boasts a distinct hand-painted face and atti...

Fine carved wood half model of the 1934 Americas Cup Yacht Rainbow. Planked deck with brass fittings. Mahogany skylights with brass bars. Ships whee...

A military grade forged metal shovel with a protective leather cover used by the Swiss Army mountaineers during World War II.

Seldom seen Industrial Military "Field" Dental Chair , as seen in the Canadian War Museum .. Amazing industrial design, great color , patina. Retains original label (see photo) dated...

20th Century chinese Zhongzheng/Chengren military commemorative short sword and scabbard gifted by Chiang Kai-shek By: unknown Material: iron, metal, paint, bronze, copper, wood, sh...

This Selza Gold filled Automatic Cold Capped Watch from the WWII era was used extensively for US Air Force Pilots. The case is a 14K gold case with stainless steel parts and a lumino...

Mashie-Niblick golf club by Gibson of Kinghorn. A good Mashie-Niblick iron (Smith's model) made by Gibson of Kinghorn with a hickory shaft and suede leather grip. The head with hand...

Antique metal cast for chocolate figures, circa 1930. By unknown manufacturer from Spain. In original condition, with some visible signs of previous use and age, preserving a bea...

Set of two hand painted traditional plaster crying baby figures. Made in traditional Catalan atelier in Spain, circa 1930. In original condition, with minor wear consistent wit...

Freeman, Douglas Southall. R. E. Lee: A Biography. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1936. Four volumes, Octavo. Early edition. Rebound in ¼ leather and cloth, with raised bands, gilt titles and tooling to spine, new endpapers, and a matching archival slipcase to house all four volumes. Presented is a beautiful, four volume set of R. E. Lee: A Biography, by author and historian Douglas Southall Freeman...

Large, Art Deco, sterling silver-mounted threaded crystal match striker, London, 1931, Henry Perkins and Sons - makers. Measures 2 3/4 inches high x 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Dark sp...

A rare Christmas ornament set of two. Each is made from mouth blown glass, this would be a great addition for your Christmas or feather tree. Size always given for the tallest item i...

Antique Hand Crank Wood Box Wall Mount Phone Unit Modern Converted Great Wall Hanger, Would Make a Great Addition to Anyone's Collection 19"x12"

Original US studio photograph for the 1931 short comedy Beau Hunks starring Stan Laurel, and Oliver Hardy. This film was directed by James W. Horne. This ...